Richard "Dick" Atkins

Richard “Dick” B. Atkins, 90, of Worcester, passed away on Friday, September 24, 2021, at Saint Vincent Hospital. 

He is survived by a brother, Kenneth Atkins and his wife Anne of North Hampton, NH; a sister in law, Teresa Atkins of Albany, NY; nieces and nephews, including, Donna and Wayne Sauer who were his primary care takers, Lisa Migliacci and her husband Domenic, Nicholas DiPilato and his wife Beth, Christopher DiPilato and his wife Anita, Karen Ciampi and her fiancé Luigi, Alissa Atkins, Keith Atkins and his wife Kimberly, Kurt Atkins and his wife Sierra, and Kristen Proctor and her husband Kevin; several great nieces and nephews; extended family members, Steve and Sandy Bovat.  He was predeceased by a brother George Atkins and by his sister and brother in law, Phyllis and Nicholas DiPilato.  Dick was born in Worcester, son of the late, Harold P. and Blanche (Dumont) Atkins, and lived in his family home until recently, with the exception of ten years he resided on Cape Cod.  He was a student at St. Peter’s School and attended South High.  He later served in the United States Navy Reserves.

Dick was brick layer for over sixty years, and operated Fairfield Construction.  He often referred to himself as “Dickie the Brickie” and continued working with brick and stones until well into his 80’s.   

Dick was a faithful member of Saint John’s Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.  He was a 3^rd Degree Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus; a faithful Navigator of Bishop O’Reilly’s Assembly 4^th Degree; a member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and was a Knight Commander with Star.  He was a life member of the Auburn/Webster Elks and the First Friday Club of Worcester.

He loved gardening and working around his home.  He built a home on Styles Reservoir where he was able to enjoy the water and the sights and sounds of nature.  He enjoyed travel and was fortunate to have visited Rome and The Holy Land.  He loved being with his family and was full of love for all his nieces and nephews.

Dick’s family would like to thank all of his friends at the Willows, especially Pauline, Lou, and Rita, for their friendship and support.

Calling Hours for Dick will be on Thursday, September 30, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a procession to an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at Saint John’s Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester.  Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

Flowers may be sent or donations may be made to Saint John’s Food for The Poor, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.